An event featuring expert advice and solutions for small business owners on how to grow their footprint internationally, took place at the Burren Storehouse, Lisdoonvarna, yesterday (Thursday, February 25). ‘Helping Small Businesses Go Global’ was hosted by global logistics company UPS and The Burren Smokehouse, and presented companies with an opportunity to hear from UPS experts and how collaboration has helped the family-run Clare business to capture the full benefit of growth opportunities abroad. Birgitta Hedin Curtin spoke on the show this morning about the Burren Smokehouse, which she set up in 1989 with her husband Peter. The company sources 100% Irish quality raw materials for its Burren Smoked Salmon, Trout and Mackerel products. The Smokehouse currently employs a staff of 18, and ships Burren Smoked Irish Organic Salmon within Ireland and to countries all over the world.
Next on Morning Focus, Gavin spoke to Pat Wallace, the Returning Officer for the Clare Constituency.
Murt McInerney from Doonbeg, who’s been involved in bingo over the years responded to Mikey Joe’s concerns about children attending bingo.
Later on in the show we received a polling update from Clare FM’s Ronan Moyles.
Next on the show, Gavin spoke to comedian Des Bishop about his show, Grey Matters.
The Clare Red Cross fundraising team Treasurer James Lafferty spoke on the show this morning about a new ambulance for the Red Cross. Clare Red Cross have raised the sum of 82,000 euro for a new multifunction support vehicle/minibus. Primo Coach Works who specialize in vehicle conversions have the contract to provide the new vehicle for a Mercedes Sprinter EXLWB at an agreed contract price of 86,000 euro. Today (Friday, February 26th), at the Red Cross training centre at unit 9, Tracklands Business Park, Tobertaoscain, Ennis at 6pm the Irish Red Cross Clare Area Committee and Primo Coachworks will sign the contracts.
Gavin was then joined by Clare County Arts Officer, Siobhan Mulcahy, for the weekly arts round up.
A Jazz Brunch Fundraised for the Ennis Samaritans and Doolin Rescue at the Old Ground Hotel on Sunday, February 28th from 12.30-3pm. Shirley Mangan from Ennis Lions Club and Dr Denise Cox, Soroptomists spoke on the show this morning about the event.
For the round-up of weekend events, Gavin spoke to Nicola Shannon. Nicola spoke about the Inagh Community Centre Indoor Arts, Crafts and Fine Foods market which has over 30 stalls on display.
For the weekly Friday Panel Discussion, Gavin was joined in studio by Doirin Graham, CEO of Clare Local Development Centre; Bernadette Kenny, Psychologist; Diarmuid McMahon, MD Sherry Fitzgerald McMahon; and Will Cahir, Chair and Company Solicitors. The Panel discussed a variety of topics including; big supermarkets vs. small local shops, haggling when buying a car becoming a thing of the past, and what they would do if they won the lotto.
Closing out the show this morning, we heard live music from Kieran O’Loughlin (Loughy). Kieran is a native of Clare, but lives in Stockholm Sweden since 1996. He came to Scandinavia with Celtic Fusion, an Irish fusion band in 1994. Musically Loughy has been playing music since he was three. He studied and learned Irish trad music from an early age and from tinwhistle ended up playing the button accordian. Loughy also studied classical piano which to this day gave him a great understanding of music. Loughy also now runs his own production studio. He works closely with Irish folk-rock band, Accoustra. He joined Gavin ahead of his album, So Long Gone, which will be launched on February 28th.
